everything curriculum | July 2020


the stress and challenges that they face in everyday life and reduce the impact that these have on their mental wellbeing.


Being outside also means that children are exposed to more direct sunlight. Sunlight allows our bodies to produce vitamin D, which helps release serotonin in the brain. Lack of sufficient time outdoors means that children are at risk from vitamin D deficiency which has been linked to mental illnesses, including depression.


What are the benefits of outdoor learning for schools?


As well as improving children’s mental health and wellbeing, teachers have reported many other benefits of outdoor learning. Children that spend more time outside during the day have shown improved concentration, increased productivity, better behaviour and more positive relationships amongst their peer group.


How can outdoor learning be developed within your school? Here are a few ideas on how you can develop outdoor learning in your school:


• Work with the children to create a small nature garden in your playground. Through planting vegetable and flower seeds and watching them grow, children learn about biology and plant life cycles as well as developing a sense of responsibility for living things.


• Build a minibeast hotel in the playground. This physical activity allows opportunities for scientific investigation and develops teamwork skills.


• Using a variety of materials including old blankets, rope, sticks, tyres, challenge the children to work in small groups to create a den. This STEM activity will help build relationships between children as well as developing teamwork, problem–solving skills and a sense of achievement.


Whatever changes you can make, big or small, they will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the children in your school.


For more information on how to develop opportunities for outdoor learning, explore the resources available in Twinkl Life at:


twinkl.co.uk/resources/twinkl–life


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